Where do I begin In Direct Sales?

Celeste - posted on 01/07/2010
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I am a stay at home mom in Florida. I hear alot about direct sales but want to know how some of you got started, I know they are alot of scams out here, just looking for something to earn extra money on the net. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

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Kemi-Alicia - posted on 06/26/2011

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What’s interesting is the way the phrase “pyramid scheme” gets used.

If you take a standard organization chart and put a frame around it, does that not create the same exact shape of a “pyramid” yet from day one this is what we are programmed to do; we grow-up get a job working for someone, then spend 20 to 40 years working our way up. Most of us only stand a chance to be promoted if the person above us quits, get fired, retires, gets sick or dies, isn’t that awful?

Most of us spend approx 14 thousand hours in school, not counting the extra spent in college and Uni, no-body sits us down to really teach us about money (or parenting, nutrition etc- any of the important stuff right?); and on top of that, most of us end up with $20- $50 in dept before life has even begun.

• There are over 18 thousand direct selling companies in the world, find one that truly resonates with you, one where you can help people, • be yourself, • be happy and make others happy• make a positive change in the world and it will never feel like work.

Direct Selling (if you want to be successful) is HARD work, but if you find a company that also pays a residual income then you will forever (yes forever) be paid on your efforts.

Note that the Internet our favourite “research” tool is also filled with trash- talking hope- crushers, this is because any/ everybody has access to it e.g rotten competitors, dissatisfied customers (mainly people who didn’t really understand what they were getting into) so to find about ANY company get the information directly from the “horses mouth”. If a company is not forth coming with information, then that’s a red flag. Remember however that as unfortunate as it might be some departments within certain companies train their staff to deal with different areas so be sure to be put through to the correct area in order for you needs to be met accordingly, it’s not that they are trying to be difficult but some staff may be genuinely uninformed. When you do get through to someone and the information doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right, cross them off the list (at least for the moment as sometimes things change)

Some Do’s and Don’ts Do not get clouded by someone else’ views, what is good for someone else may not be the same for you and visa versa, make a decision for yourself as the choice you make impacts you and you alone. Would you take relationship advice from someone that was single or take financial advice from someone that has a zero bank account?. Do not discount something because you “think” it’s like something else, Marykay is not Avon, just because you had a bad experience with one, that should not alter your views on the other. If have food poisoning from one restaurant will you never again eat at a restaurant?. Surround yourself with people you want to be like and rid yourself of negative people because misery loves company.

Lastly, it’s ok to take risks; did we foresee how our kids would turn out before we became pregnant? We do our best and hope for the best, right? If something sounds too good to be true, well, what if it was true and you didn’t find out; 2 of Bill Gates best friends turned him down when he came to them with his idea, guess who’s laughing now…

Hey Celeste :)...I got started basically the same as you, a stay at home Mom who also wanted to make income from home. Doing thorough research will help you to stay out of trouble, and just go with your gut. If you find something you LOVE and are passionate about then you'll love what you do.

I love helping people, and I found a company that helps people save on healthcare...talk about something people NEED in this economy lol! I work at home with AmeriPlan, a 17 year old Discount health care company, and I get testimonials frequently about my members (and other members too) saving thousands of dollars on dental and health care. You can also choose to help other Moms work from home too (there is nothing like helping a Mom achieve her dream of staying at home with her baby while making income for the family!

If you are looking for something without parties or inventory to keep then check out AmeriPlan. Just visit www.AHomeCareer.net and fill out the Request Interview form. On that same site you can go through the tabs and get more info on who we are and what we do, and learn a bit more about me too.

The best way to find what you are looking for is to check out all the different kinds of companies there are out there...one will stick out to you and that's the one you should go with :). Best wishes!

I have a master's degree and 2 undergraduate degrees, but when my 4th child came I needed and wanted to be home. When health struggles hit my family hard, I knew I was right where I was suppose to be.

You are brave to ask your question, I have been with my company for over 11 years. It is the best thing that I ever did. A lot of people will try and recruit you to there company. I say go to Direct Sales Association www.dsa.com look for respectable companies. Look for your interests or something you know friends, family and other are interested in. Find out if it consumable? Do people have to sign up to to get more? (stay away from this) Is it true direct sales with person to person contact and trust. Contact people within the company and ask questions ( I recommend only one per company and look for longevity for security).

I have over 200 people on my team from all over. Direct Sales works when you find the right fit for you. Good luck and I hope I helped, without too trying to sell you something.

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April - posted on 10/16/2011

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Ladies,I deleted over 100 posts from this thread because they violate the COM guidelines. Please refer to the pinned thread at the top of this community where it explains the guidelines. You can say what company you are with and any other information you want to provide but you may not post a link to your business website or PM the member with your opportunity. Some people that responded to this thread posted the same post numerous times which is considered spam. I know you are all passionate about your businesses but please adhere to the COM rules. If a member is interested in what you are offering and wants to learn more they will PM you for more information. Thanks for your cooperation! April

Hi, my name is Sherri Hill, I am a Founding Consultant with Biltmore Inspirations- www.BiltmoreInspirations.com/shill . This direct sales company just launched July 2011, get in on the ground floor and become a Team Leader, quickly. Biltmore Inspirations’ product line is modeled after the elegance of the Biltmore Hotel in Asheville, NC. Our initial product launch includes; Collections of stylish home decor, fabulous wine & table top accessories, as well as delectable hors d’oeuvres for entertaining.Do you want to earn extra money, have something for yourself, meet new people, inspire others and work from home only a couple of hours per week? If you would like to learn more about how to join our Team, I would love to share it with you. www.biltmoreinspirations.com/shill... please enter this link so it comes directly to me...Thank you.

Starter Kit includes 12 items, plus food products for $199.99. Free TrainingBiltmore develops your very own website, just like mine, www.biltmoreinspirations.com/shillNO Quotas – or long term commitmentEarnings – minimum 25% of what you sell- Average is 40.00 per hour

Celeste, do what you love and love what you do, and you will never have to work another day in your life again. I found that with Isagenix. I am a retired school teacher (although I am only 42!) I taught for 10 years then got sick. Isagenix came into my life at the perfect time. I needed to feed my body so that it would heal itself. Isagenix is super food. My family and I have been eating Isagenix for over 5 years now. We have helped many families also improve their own eating habits and many of the families that I am now working with are earning about $300 - $1000 a month just for feeding their family better and helping others do the same. If that interests you, check out www.SolutionsForMyFamily.com. WHo knows, maybe you are ready to join a team of caring individuals who just want to feed their families better and create a stream of residual income for life. My mission is to empower families for life. You can be a part of that is you want.

i got started with tupperware after i hosted a party!! i wanted everything in the book, and my consultant thought it was a good idea to sell the product!! so i did and i love it!! i can do everything on my schedule.. have parties when its convient for me, make calls when i want, i can also get products at a discount!! i also now have 4 recruits under me!! so after 3 active recruits, i make more money, becuz i will earn my managers check!! everything about TUPPERWARE is soooo exciting!!! if anyone is interested please let me know!! good luck!!!

I started selling Scentsy a little over 2 years ago and made Director in a year. Now I have a sales team of 121 girls. Some have won trips with their kids to Disney. We have a great time. Scentsy is a safe alternative to candles that burns on a light bulb. Makes your house smell wonderful without the fire hazard. It does not get hot to burn kids. I do mainly basket parties and focus on recuriting. If you are interested check out my website at www.scentsy.com/tinapressley or email me at tina.pressley@gmail.com. The cost to join is $99.00, it would be the best 99.00 you ever spent. I am making a nice income from it now and most of the work is done out of your home. Thanks Tina

Hello Celeste,If you are serious and would enjoy helping people have a safer, healthier environment for their families and themselves contact me with a message and we can talk on the phone to see if you see what I saw in what I do. Send your phone number in the message so I can give you a call.

Hi Celeste! I got started many years ago in network marketing so that I could remain at home with my boys! Through several Direct Sales companies, I found my niche in "Network Marketing" There are distinct differences. I agree it is not easy to determine what is valid and what is not...look for a great product/great comp plan/ethics and integrity in the company and a partner you can know,like and trust. Email me if you would like more information. I would love to share what I do now. Got involved as a result of prayer for something to do that would have longevity/residual income and that I could take anywhere I loved as I plan to travel. In fact, already traveling now! I would love to share my experiences with you.

Hi Celeste;I was exactly like you when I started direct selling. Which is why I shopped around. I didn't know where to start, what to do, or how to do it! I joined with Arbonne, which has its own trining system, but through Arbonne am in a team called team global. this is basic a training support and resource system designed buy the leading seller / highest ranking Arbonne Consultant in Australia. She has copyrighted all the material and had it worked on with psychologists and leading business men to ensure all materials are high quality and credible. So I have training support, every day, every hour if I want it! ti has a whole system step by step that you work on with your team/upline. You can check out my website on www.blairforan.myarbonne.com.au and I can if you want me to refer you to people in your country/Area of whom you can do training with. Basically I joined cause I not only thought it had the best training system, but I got my father in law who is a business analyst to look over various companies and Arbonne had the best business and compenstation plan :)Good luck!

Hi Celeste I am a PartyLite Independent Consultant. To be honest, I found PartyLite online and I had never used their product before or even heard of the company. I needed to make extra $$ to support my daughter and pay the bills. I was sent a sample tealight by my now sponsor and I love the product. I have a few items in my house that I use. I also agree with the fellow moms.. Ask yourself what are you passionate about? What is it that you really like? Keep your options open and I am sure you will find the right company! Good Luck

Hi I've done a lot of direct sales businesses in the past, all have been good but my latest venture has been the best by far. I earn a 50% profit on all that I sell, and my average party lasts approximately 2-3 hours long with an average party of about $600. I do Pure Romance Parties, they are woman only romance enhancement parties. The training is phenomenal, the company is thriving and has been around for 16 years. The owner Patty Brisben just had a show on TLC called Mom Knows Sex, so this company is very well known. In fact Pure Romance puts 3 million dollars into advertising just for us! Well its a great company, I invite you to check out my website www.PRbyB.com, or give me a call 516) 710-1372. Best of luck in your search for an at home business.

Hi Celeste,I work for 2 different network marketing companies and stay at home with my two boy 2 and 6 months. Both companies are new and very unique. The first is a travel company that allows families to travel at more affordable prices. How do we do it...sams club costco? Same idea. Its a wholesale vacation club. My family and I went on a cruise last year for $49.00 per person (plus port taxes and fees). I paid more for my sons Captains Outfit for the formal night then I paid for the cruise! Everyone wants to vacation but they need affordable ways to do it now a days. Especially when taking a whole family. the best part about it is that you do not need to carry and stock or supplies....All you need is internet access! The other one is a new company in pre-launch and is going to take off. Its an energy drink. As a mom I am always tired. I just need that "something" to get me through the day till the kids go to sleep. This is ALL NATURAL and is not bad for you like Red Bull, etc. I honestly just started using the product and said...what am i nuts for not being a rep to pay retail for these drinks? All I do is share this drink with other people that need it. There are SOOO MANY people out there that need a little boost in energy. I would love to talk to you or anyone else that is interested in direct sales opportunities. Every company offers something different and you may want to give more then 1 a shot. Multiple streams of income is the way to go. Please email me at lolo223@gmail.com so I can give you more details.

I too am a stay at home mom of 4 children. I started my home based business to earn some extra income and have some time to talk with adults. There are so many companies to pick from! First do your research on a company, look for those listed under the Direct Selling Association (DSA) website. Find out how long they have been around and second look at how much the "start up" will be. Another thing you should consider is the type of product you sell. Is it a consumable product? Meaning once it is gone, will the client need to reorder? This will mean repeat sales. Choose something that is interesting to you. Remember, you should not have to put a huge amount of money in to it up front. Be very cautious of this. I am with a company called Arbonne International, a Swiss health and wellness company. Arbonne has products for your entire family. Ranging from a baby care line to anti aging skin care for men and women. Arbonne is celebrating it's 30th year of business. Check it out. I would be happy to share more information with you if you are interested. You may contact me at walker3135@verizon.net. Thanks!

WOW! So many replies. I am not here to pitch you my company, you asked for help and I'd like to help you. When I got started in MLM my friend had me answer these questions before I chose the company:

1. Do you LOVE the products?

2. Are they consumable (meaning is there a high percentage of reorders?)

3. How long have they been in business?

4. What is the membership fee?

5. Is the company well capitalized by PRIVATE money, not associate fees?

6. Is the compensation plan payable (see below for questions to ask around that)?

7.Is there an actual tangible product that WORKS?

8. Who is running the company? How many years in MLM or direct sales have they had?

9. Is there at least one woman at the top of the exec team (82% of this industry is women)

10. Does the company make claims?

Some questions about the compensation plan:

1. how many people doyou need to sponsor in order to get paid?

2. How many people have made $1 000 000 or more since it's opening?

3. How many are earning 6 figures?

4. How many changes have their been to their comp plan over the years? And have those changes ADDED money to the associates or taken away?

5. Is there a break away?

6. When does flushing of volume occur?

7. How many ways are there to get paid?

8. How many legs/teams do you have to build to qualify for top payments in the company?

Like most of the other responses, I too am in an MLM. I have sold everything from Tupperware to sex toys in the Direct sales industry. Everyone will tell you theirs is the best. Everyone will entice you to come and join them. I am here to tell you this.

Find out what you want, find a company that will support you and just as important, find a coach/sponsor who knows what they are doing...one who has been there done that. I have enrolled with many individuals over the years because of what they TOLD me was possible. When I started with this company, the products showed me, then the compensation plan paid me and I tell you, it had been fabulous since then.

Barbilee

Family Success Coach

www. HeyYouGetReal .com

PS: I have some team members in the Fort Lauderdale area if you want to chat more.

I sell Tastefully simple. We do home shows and have a great time doing it. You give your host their kit they do all the cooking and you explain the product. You are feeding people the product being sold so once they taste it they have to have it and they will not get it anywhere else but through you. It is the easiest business to run fro home. you can sign up at home online and everything is shipped directly from our supplier.Let me know if this intereasts you.

Hi Celeste! It is true that there are some scams out there. Lot of upfront costs to join, etc. Here are some things to consider...if you are still looking.Examine the products and what consumers they are plugging into?Trainings? Support of your Upline Manager? Really investigate what it is that you are investing into. The initial cost should supply you with business materials, website, and sample products for under not a huge investment. If you have any further questions just ask! Hope that helps!Co-FounderCeladon Roadtpuccio@comcast.net

Hi Moms! My name is brandi Budell and I live in the beautiful state of Montana. I have 10 children; 4 left at home and I am a stay at home mom. I have been a Scentsy Consultant since July of 2009 and I love it. I am promoting something I totally believe in. The income is great and the new friends are even better. Have a great day.

How is this for crazy - I too am a Mom, I have 2 great kids (of course) and was working fulltime in a demanding career when I was introduced to a product and an opportunity that I could not ignore. Please understand, the last thing I had time for was a home based business - and yet here I am over a year later, still the Mother of 2 kids, still gainfully employed fulltime and now starting to earn a residual income just by sharing a product that a market already exists for!

Imagine how successful you could be sharing a product that 9 out of 10 people LOVE, 50% say they crave and is highly consumable! The company is debt free, led by experienced management and provides a ground floor opportunity without significant risk.

There are Distributors in our organization with little or no previous experience with any kind of home-based business previously, making as much as $1500-$3000(US) per month and beyond in their first year. I have a business partner here in Canada who surpassed her teachers income within 18months working this business while still employed full time AND with two children under the age of 5!

We are a US based company operating also in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the UK. We just recently opened in Hong Kong and are now opening the European market. This means that YOU can also go global in your business as well!

If you are serious about an opportunity that will give back what you put in to it, reply here or email me at the address below and I will respond to you directly.

Hi! I`m sure you`ll be absolutly glad trying Mary Kay..` I`m in Mexico as a Senior Sales Director and I was able to stay at home with my daughter too!! It`s GREAT and you can make a lot of MONEY!!!! In USA you may find someone to get you in or you may send me a mailbox adress and I can be your recluter too!!!that would be amazing because I have a global plan and the company support ittry may mail ciumk_13@hotmail.com .I`ts tiem to make somo money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Find something you enjoy doing and have an interest it. I never wanted to sell anything but I always went to parties. I went to a "wrap and lose" party and saw results almost instantly and the awe in everyone else as well as they're checkbooks flying out and knew this product was legit and sold itself and I've been selling it almost a year now. I work as much or as little as I want. You can check it out at www.itworks.net/kendraswraps Good luck!

My name is Shelley...and I am a SAHM. I have 2 beautiful girls. I've been home for the past 2yrs. You are sooo right...there are so many scams out there....that one HAS to be careful when choosing a Company.

As for myself...I'm not a sales person...and never wanted to feel like I was "Selling " to someone. It was important for me to be able to "relax" in my home business. My business shouldn't stress me out (lol). I am with the Company Financial Wealth Builders which is a Team Building Company. There are no hidden fees. No selling, no parties...no products. And that's what I wanted/needed.

If you are looking to get into direct sales, find something that you are interested in, this will help narrow down the selection of the 101+ direct sales companies that are out there. It is very hard to stay interested if you are selling something that you could care less about. Find something that you will have fun doing. Find something that fits YOUR needs.

How I got started... I am a stay at home mom and too was looking to start something. Something to make some extra money and also something to do outside the normal laundry, cooking & cleaning. I checked out a bunch of companies. Some had high startup cost which turned me off, others had sales quotas or inventory that you had to carry, etc. It took some time, but I finally found Avon. Everything that I was looking for and more... If you are interested in more details about Avon, please feel free to email me. I have been selling for 2 years now and love it! I make good money selling Avon and I am also a Unit Leader so I also have access to help others start their own Avon business, so please feel free to email me if this is something you may be interested in - I am here to help!!! -Kelly

I started pampered chef 2 years ago within a year it replaced my income and now I am a stay at home mom/grandma and loving it the schedule is mine to do with what I need. You can email me at dinaatnip@yahoo.com for info. Have a great day.

Hi Celeste!I am a stay at home mom of 4 (15y, 10y, 6y & 5y). I love it, but also need adult interaction! I sell Tupperware and love it! There is no pressure and minimum investment. You can sell just online, inhome, both, book parties or whatever works for you. Plus it is a great investment that will last a lifetime! If you have any questions,you can email me anytime (Itsaphoto@gmail.com). You can search the web for many different direct sales jobs. Just make sure it is something that interests you and that you can see yourself doing. Good luck with everything! :o)

Hello Celeste,i am stay at home mom of 4 kids 11,5,4,2 and i have been invited to many direct sales companies and the only one that makes sense to me was MaryKay. the start up fee is $100 plus tax and shipping you will receive $300 in mary kay products to start your business, there is no waiting in the mail for your money and no monthly minimums, you also get bonuses with your orders and lots of recognition for all of you achievements,this is the only company that will give you praise ,prizes and bonuses for a job well done. we have no territories you can take your business anywhere you go and keep all of your recruits (mk family). this company has been a real blessing for meand i hope you like our priorities #1-our faith,#2-our family and #3- our career. and it will all work out. if you need more info you can contact my website marykay.com/aracely we have been around for 45 yrs and look for many more thank you for letting me enrich your life aracely

I was not a stay at home mom when I joined a direct sales company 10 years ago. I needed to supplement my full-time income so that my children could go to private schools in our area. I needed the flexibility and the high pay and the company I joined provided that, and it was free to start.

I'm still in direct sales because I like the additional income I earn (along side my full-time job) and it gives me the flexibility to work around my personal life.

My sponsor just held a party (1 that lasted about 2 1/2 hours) and made $450!!! The company sells high quality bed and bath linens and comfort products for you and your home! It is a newer direct sales company (5 years) and there are only about 2500 consultants in the whole country! AWESOME leadership!!!!!

Hi Celeste! I was drawn to you cause I am from FL too only now I live in the NW. I get there often to visit my family. I got started in my business after I tried the products. I am a consultant for a Swiss health and Wellness company and their skin care changed how I look and feel about myself. I love my job and helping others to build a business is what I like the most about it! Let me know if I can help you or send you some samples.

I can forward you a very helpful 29 point system to evaluate DSA/MLM opportunities. It pays to do your "due diligence" when looking at opportunities. That's what I did and the company I decided upon scored the highest of any I looked at. Of course I had to find something that I resonated with, that I could be passionate about! I have not regretted my decision for one minute. When you are working with a company that does it right, with products you believe in, there is nothing better! Let me know if you would like the 29 point checklist for choosing a company....it works no matter what the product! Good Luck! (if you are interested in looking into the Wellness Industry, let me know after you get the checklist and you can check the company I partnered with and let me know how YOU rate them!)Blessings, Mary

I'm happy to hear that you are interested in direct sales. It is a wonderful way to earn extra income while staying at home with your precious kiddos! Homemade Gourmet offers a wonderful opportunity; we earn 40% sales commission, plus additional commissions as you promote within the company. I have been a consultant for over 2 years, and I love it. We offer a wide variety of delicious, easy to prepare mixes that the whole family loves. And the re-order business is great! Many husbands have thanked me for helping to get them great tasting homecooked meals. :)

Good luck in your search for the perfect business for you. If you would like more information, private message me your email or phone number. I'll be happy to chat with you!

I agree with Jen, find something you like to do that would interests you. There are tons of companies out there but what kind of things do you like to do? What would you look forward to doing getting out of bed every morning? I come from the mind set that what you are doing should feel like more fun that work. I am a Beachbody coach because I really liked fitness and working out and the thought of helping other people reach their fitness goals was really appealing to me.

Before you join any company you should look into Mentoring For Free. Like the name says, it's a FREE service! The people in MFF are just there to make sure people like us join really good companies. When I joined a company early last year I thought it was a great company, later to find out it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. The good news is my husband had joined MFF just a couple of months after I joined my formaer company. Once my husband and I went through the "5 Pillars" I realized that the company I had joined was not a good company. Basically to make any money I had to put in WAY more work that it was worth. If you would like more information on Mentoring For Free, send me a Facebook message and I'll get you the link to their website.